r/WritingPrompts • u/MajorParadox Mod | DC Fan Universe (r/DCFU) • May 04 '19

Off Topic [OT] SatChat: Do you have any bad writing habits?

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This Week's Suggested Topic

Do you have any bad writing habits?

If so, what steps do you take to avoid them?

(Repeat Topic! Have suggestions for new topics? Let me know!)

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2

u/Lighght1 May 05 '19

If I can't think of a name for character that has a hidden meaning to it I'll just stay there until I can think of one.

1

u/MajorParadox May 05 '19

Why not just give them a placeholder name and then go back and replace it after?

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2

u/therudyshow May 05 '19

I never have a clear picture of my story before I start writing. I usually post here and r/nosleep, but in both subs, I never know where my story is going until I start typing.

Sometimes this works out for me and I write a decent story. But, often, I'll just write a few paragraphs and ultimately discard the post.

Do most writers know where their story is going before they write? Should I be doing something before I write to get a rough idea of my story down?

1

u/MajorParadox May 05 '19

When you're writing prompt replies, they are generally short stories, so even the ones who like to plan ahead generally just write it out. (I'm sure there are exceptions and I've definitely outlined prompt replies myself before).

But when you're talking longer works, it really depends on the style. Some people really want to plan out everything beforehand and others just want to discover where they're going as they write. I'm kind of both. I outline, but I allow my outline to evolve.

2

u/Kabraxal May 05 '19

I’ve been told by more than a few people that my writing, when it comes to poetry, tends to lack or be lacking in concrete imagery. I don’t agree that it is a bad habit like they try to say it is. I prefer to read more abstract poetry or listen to abstract songs, so my style tilts that way and I don’t correcf it.

My self labelled bad habit is perfectionism. I want it to be perfect to the point I have a hard time finishing any writing of any real length. Though, I recently beat it down deep enough to finally pull a near 15 year project into it’s final draft. But I suspect that reproducing that feat will be difficult.

1

u/MajorParadox May 05 '19

Yeah, if abstract poetry is what you're going for, it doesn't even sound like it's a problem, does it?

For perfectionism, that's a tough one and very common. You really need to consider writing like just getting the words down. Ignore any potential problems because you can always fix them in editing. Otherwise, you're never going to finish. And on top of that, nothing is ever going to be perfect. But this quote really covers what I'm trying to say:

“The first draft is just you telling yourself the story.”

― Terry Pratchett

2

u/ChaosWizrd76 May 05 '19

My vote on "what bad habits do I have" is detail level.

Either I write too much into the unnecessary detail department, or I write too little of the actually important details. Usually both, at the same time. Did you know that the brick wall is moldy, wet, and has no relevance to the story, but I had to describe it for about half a paragraph anyway for atmosphere?

That and maybe the story having no focus as I kind of just wing it, but I'm sure that's fine after I look it over once.

1

u/MajorParadox May 05 '19

Yeah, it can be hard to find a good balance. There should be some description, but too much and it seems like the story gets sidetracked. I never liked reading books and then pages later realizing nothing actually happened yet. But on the flip side, there needs to be something so it doesn't feel dry. You need to at least paint a picture for the reader to take over with their imagination.

A good balance can be to just description along with the story elements.

The large man threw the ball down the dusty hallway.

You're giving the action but also covering the description.

3

u/atcroft May 05 '19

Among others, I at least know of instances of the following:

  • Over-thinking to the point of paralysis.

  • Passive voice.

  • Misjudging my ability to craft a story that can draw a reader's attention.

2

u/MajorParadox May 05 '19

So, now that you've identified those habits, what steps can you take to improve?

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